| Nestled
at the base of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains, just 9 miles north of
downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena is quintessential Southern California.
From mountains
caressed by the sun, through gardens radiant with roses, to extraordinary
turn-of-the-century architecture, there is nowhere else quite like
Pasadena.
Pasadena
truly is a pedestrian-friendly city.
Visitors can stroll along beautiful tree-lined South Lake Avenue,
known as Pasadena's premier shopping district, while an eclectic mix of
antique stores, galleries and specialty shops can be found in the Playhouse
District. Old Pasadena, a 22-block historical area featuring 19th
century structures and quaint alleyways, is one of Southern California's
hottest main-street entertainment districts.
With 200 specialty shops, antique havens, boutiques, bistros and
entertainment venues, Old Pasadena offers something for everyone.
Paseo
Colorado
is
Pasadena's three-block open-air urban village.
With its Mediterranean architecture, lush pedestrian promenades,
courtyards and terraces, Paseo Colorado is anchored by Pacific Theatre's
14-screen cinema complex and features 65 distinct specialty retail shops and restaurants.
Drawing
from its rich cultural heritage, Pasadena features numerous world-class
museums and historical sites. The
Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens offers an
extensive collection of literary classics, 17th and 18th century British
and French art, and 150 acres of lush gardens. Highlights include an
original Gutenberg Bible, Ellesmere's manuscript of Canterbury Tales,
the famous Pinkie and Blue Boy paintings and an authentic
Japanese garden.
Seven
centuries of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century are on
display at The Norton Simon Museum,
including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Degas, Rembrandt and Picasso. The Pacific
Asia Museum is dedicated to the promotion and understanding of the arts
and culture of Asia and the Pacific, while the Pasadena Museum of
California Art features California art, architecture and design from
1850 to the present. In contrast, the Gamble
House, built in 1908, is an architectural masterpiece of the American
Arts and Crafts era.
Recognized
throughout the world, Pasadena's Rose
Bowl is famous for championship events including five Super Bowl
football games, the 1999 Women's World Cup Soccer Championship and the Rose Bowl Game.
Today, the Rose Bowl is home to the UCLA Bruins football team.
After
dark, the city takes on a whole new flavor.
As the birthplace of Julia Child, Pasadena is home to some of
Southern California's finest restaurants.
There are over 500 to choose from, including Madre's, the chic
Latin-style eatery owned by singer/actress Jennifer Lopez.
Exciting nightlife ranges from "hot" jazz clubs and "cool"
comedy at the Ice House to theater at the Pasadena Playhouse and
symphony performances at the renowned Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
Adding to its appeal, a
vast array of shops, restaurants and recreational opportunities lie within
walking distance of Pasadena's magnificent hotels.
Accommodations range from intimate inns to luxury resorts.
Favorites include The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa,
The Westin Pasadena, Hilton Pasadena, Sheraton Pasadena
and the Old Pasadena Courtyard by Marriott.
With its
enviable location and a population of only 140,000, Pasadena offers
visitors a friendly and safe enclave.
The city's mild Mediterranean climate also makes for ideal
sightseeing conditions. Year-round
temperatures average 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
In
addition to all of this, Pasadena is easily accessible to all Los Angeles
area airports, freeways, and other Southern California attractions,
including Universal Studios, Disneyland and local beaches. To make sightseeing even easier, visitors can hop aboard the Gold Line light rail system. The 13.7-mile Gold Line transports
passengers from Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles and points in between.
With six stations throughout Pasadena, including two in the popular
Old Pasadena shopping/entertainment district, catching the train is a
snap.
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